Finding the correct HVAC system size for your home is vital. It has a big impact on your comfort and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Mayeuxs AC & Heating will explain how to determine the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the most suitable size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size differs for every home. Your HVAC system needs sufficient heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely scorching or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, costs more up front and can create issues that make your home less comfortable.

Critical Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Norco, LA

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Mayeuxs AC & Heating carry out a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are required to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates multiple factors, such as:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can influence how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Norco, LA, plays an important role in determining the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may require less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double paned can significantly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a considerable sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the correct HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other factors also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's crucial to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to establish the right HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An inadequately sized system can cause comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often seem to run all the time to attempt to regulate the temperature of a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your entire residence, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop trying to keep up uses more energy, running up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system operates more efficiently and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is a waste of money.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Mayeuxs AC & Heating  

Now that you understand some of the factors that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Mayeuxs AC & Heating is here to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll analyze your home to find the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call (985) 764-2426 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Norco, LA.